My journey as a Seeker-Entrepreneur under the guidance of Sanatan Sanstha
| Along with his father Mr Vaman Rao Prabhudesai, Mr Ravindra Prabhudesai founded ‘Pitambari Products Pvt. Ltd.’ in 1986. The vision was to create a dynamic Organisation guided by principles of hard work, integrity, honesty, and improvisation. Today, Pitambari Products has a prestigious name in India, and is also known in foreign countries. |
Namaskar ! I am Ravindra Prabhudesai. I attribute my successful business experiences to the benevolence of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale. In expressing my gratitude, I humbly bow at the feet of Gurumauli (Guru as a Mother) and extend my heartfelt thanks to Sanatan Sanstha.
1. The success of ‘Pitambari’ lies in unwavering dedication, diligent effort, and a foundation of self-empowering Spirituality
The name ‘Pitambari Udyog Group’ has earned widespread respect in the industrial landscape of Maharashtra. Over the past 35 years, the Group has achieved remarkable and steady progress, recently surpassing the significant milestone of an annual turnover of Rs 300 crores. With a vast presence spanning from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the Group boasts a network of 3,500 primary distributors and 3.5 to 4 lakh outlets, ranging from small shops to large malls. The success story is attributed to hard work, dedication, and a crucial element – Spirituality, which provides the essential inner strength to accomplish these feats.
2. The fusion of patriotism and Spirituality serves as a potent antidote to overcome depression
Criticism, rejection and failure are common experiences for entrepreneurs, and I too have faced these challenges. Before the introduction of the product ‘Pitambari Shining Powder’, I initiated a business venture called ‘Molac Tiles.’ Unfortunately, due to lack of expertise in that domain, I encountered substantial losses and setbacks. Coping with business failure, criticism from close associates, financial setbacks and uncertainties about the future, I found myself immersed in negativity, despite earnest efforts to establish myself as a successful entrepreneur.
Throughout my childhood, my parents instilled in me the practice of spiritual rites, reciting shlokas, and engaging in various spiritual activities for temporary peace of mind. However, it was only after attending a discourse of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale at Ghantali Maidan, Thane, Maharashtra, that I discovered a transformative perspective.
In a somewhat despondent state, His teachings on ‘personal spiritual upliftment’, through the fusion of patriotism and Spirituality, resonated deeply with me. This satsang became a turning point, pulling me out of the abyss of despair. Subsequently, I actively participated in regular satsangs of Sanatan Sanstha, establishing a connection with it for my spiritual growth. Over time, my entire family embraced sadhana (Spiritual practice) under the guidance of Sanatan Sanstha, marking a significant transformation in our lives.
greeting Mr Ravindra Prabhudesai
3. Engaging in the sadhana prescribed by Sanatan Sanstha leads to a notable increase in virtues
Guided by the spiritual practices outlined by Sanatan Sanstha and under the Divine guidance of Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale, the incorporation of chanting God’s Name, satsang, satseva, and tyag (Sacrifice) into my life has ushered in prosperity. Driven by His teachings, my family, whether within the confines of my household or extending to my entrepreneurial, social, and spiritual circles, now radiates happiness, enthusiasm, intimacy, and a profound sense of social commitment.
Through these practices, virtues such as love, organization, understanding others, altruistic thinking, enhanced concentration, strategic planning, social awareness, grassroot-level assistance, and contributing to National defence and religious awareness endeavours with industry-derived resources, have flourished. This transformation has not only elevated my personal life but has also left an indelible impact on my professional pursuits.
4. Sadhana has instilled enthusiasm, vitality, and heightened efficiency in my personal life
As Sanatan Sanstha commemorates its 25th Anniversary, the organization embarked on its initial phase dedicated to spreading Spirituality across India through practices such as chanting God’s Name, satsang, satseva, and tyag. In its second phase, the focus shifted to fostering prayer, love, gratitude, and addressing personal imperfections.
The profound thoughts conveyed through Dainik Sanatan Prabhat have ignited a spiritual, religious, and Nationalistic fervour in the minds of the millennial Hindus. This enlightenment is delivered by imparting personal as well as societal tools for upliftment. Now, at the age of 61, I find boundless enthusiasm, vitality, and enhanced efficiency in my personal life, a direct result of adhering to the sadhana suggested by the revered Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale. Motivated by my own spiritual practices, I strive to instil vitality and enthusiasm in others, drawing inspiration from my ongoing sadhana journey.
5. The ‘Pitambari Udyog Group’ is not merely a means of financial gains; rather, it serves as a conduit for fostering the spiritual advancement of society
To extend the spiritual benefits of sadhana to my colleagues at Pitambari, I initiated satsang sessions across various branches of the ‘Pitambari’ establishment. Initially, Sanatan seekers conducted these sessions, but as our offices and colleagues increased, I appointed a colleague, Mr Satish Kochrekar, as the ‘Spiritual Manager’ to organize regular satsangs for our colleagues.
These sessions include daily prayers, creating a spiritual environment within the ‘Pitambari Udyog Group.’ Consequently, the Group has evolved beyond being a source of income, transforming into a catalyst for spiritual progress within our society. In every department and office of ‘Pitambari,’ colleagues engage in daily chanting of God’s Name.
Notably, recognizing the importance of sadhana, we have taken an additional step by incorporating information on how to perform sadhana in the packaging of our products such as incense sticks and puja items. This endeavour is driven by the aspiration that even our customers should comprehend the significance of sadhana in their lives.
6. The transition from entrepreneurship to the pursuit of higher knowledge has been propelled by the dedicated practice of sadhana
At the age of 20, I initiated the practice of offering my body, mind, and wealth, a sanskars bestowed upon me by Gurumauli (Sachchidananda Parabrahman (Dr) Jayant Athavale). This spiritual practice has bestowed profound benefits on my journey.
I continue this daily offering, which serves to settle the karmic accounts from my past lives and initiates the culmination of ‘prarabdha bhoga’ (Destiny to be completed in this birth). My day begins with a prayer for a positive day and concludes with gratitude to God for the day’s well-being.
The consistent practice of sadhana has led to an elevation in the Sattva component and a reduction in the Raja-Tama components in me. This transformation has proven instrumental in overcoming challenges encountered in the production of ‘Pitambari’ products, be it the company’s diaries, various products, creatively envisioned advertisements, or the recent addition of ‘Devbhakti Jai Shri Ram Upasana Agarbatti.’
(It is believed that the creation of this product is divinely inspired. Through these experiences, entrepreneur Mr Ravindra Prabhudesai has evolved into a ‘Seeker-Entrepreneur’. – Editor)
7. Self-empowerment has accelerated practical processes and fuelled professional growth
It is through the practice of sadhana that I lead a contented and prosperous life, personally as well as professionally. I attribute this success to the guidance of Sanatan Sanstha and the support of my family. The spiritual strength derived from Sanatan Sanstha has enabled me to gracefully navigate the highs and lows of the industry, keeping me steadfast on the path of sadhana, where I find success and satisfaction.
Primarily, sadhana enhances concentration, brings tranquillity to the mind, fosters a stable mindset, cultivates positive thinking, and augments a positive outlook. It contributes to improved focus in studies, enhances mental and physical well-being, sharpens decision-making skills, promotes a flourishing business and financial realms, and ushers in all-round prosperity.
A stress-free entrepreneurial mind eliminates the need to commit giving or doing something if a prayer to a Deity is answered. The acceleration of practical processes and professional growth is significantly boosted through increased self-empowerment, a direct result of the diligent practice of sadhana.
‘May prosperity grace our lives through the harmonious convergence of spiritual growth and worldly accomplishments. May our hands be instrumental in undertaking valuable religious endeavours for the establishment of the Hindu Rashtra.’ I submit this humble prayer at the revered feet of my Guru.
– Mr Ravindra Prabhudesai (Managing Director, Pitambari Products Pvt Ltd, Thane, Maharashtra, 22.2.2024)